Testing of questions on gender, sexual orientation and variations of sex characteristics

Released: 13/09/2024

Following public consultation, the ABS shortlisted gender, sexual orientation and variations of sex characteristics topics for testing. More information on the feedback received can be found in The value of collecting LGBTIQ+ data in the Census.

Testing helps the ABS determine whether high quality data can be collected on a topic in the Census. The Census is usually completed by one person on behalf of a household, and this person needs to be willing and able to answer questions for other household members.

The Census testing commenced using existing questions used in ABS household surveys (as specified in the 2020 Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation). ABS Standards need to be regularly updated to stay contemporary and to support use in different statistical collections, like the Census.

The ABS refined questions based on testing results and Census experiences in other countries. Refinements were informed and supported by the ABS LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee for the 2026 Census. 

The findings below are the results from extensive testing undertaken with a range of population groups, across different geographical areas. More information on the testing of content can be found in 2026 Census content testing program.
 

The 2020 Standard question for gender is for persons of all ages, and the question includes the response option of ‘Prefer not to answer’. The ABS tested on this basis.

Evidence from testing showed that:

• there was a similar level of understanding, comfort and support for including a gender question as there was for a question on sex
• there was a broad understanding of the distinction between sex and gender
• the ‘Prefer not to answer’ response option, as well as refinements to question wording and response categories, reduced concerns with the question and supported respondents in how to respond on behalf of others.
   

In line with the 2020 Standard, the ABS tested asking the sexual orientation question of people aged 15 years or older. This age limit is the same as for other Census questions where an age limit is applied.

Evidence from testing showed that:

• the understanding of this question was comparable to the questions on gender and on sex
• the understanding of the rationale for inclusion was lower than for the questions on gender and on sex
• there were similar levels of comfort answering this question to the existing question of income
• the inclusion of the response option of ‘Prefer not to answer’, and refinements to response categories, largely allayed concerns with the sensitive nature of the question. 
   

The 2020 Standard question for variations of sex characteristics is distinct from the question for sex recorded at birth.

Evidence from testing showed that:

• the level of understanding of this question, understanding the rationale for its inclusion and the comfort answering this question, were all lower than for the questions on sex, gender and sexual orientation
• there was limited understanding of the differences between this question, and questions on sex, gender and sexual orientation
• the challenges seen were evident in testing with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Testing did not provide the ABS with confidence that the question would be understood and answered accurately in the Census. Respondents found the question complex, but expert opinion provided by members of the LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee for the 2026 Census was that further simplification of wording would risk misinterpretation and increase misreporting.

More information on the criteria the ABS assesses topics against can be found in 2026 Census topic assessment criteria.
More information on gender, sexual orientation and variations of sex characteristics questions can be found in New questions for the 2024 Census test.